Our Jesuit Tradition

Saint Joseph's University was founded by the Jesuits — visionary Catholic priests and educators who prioritized social justice, the pursuit of excellence, service to others, and the development of the whole person, or, cura personalis. One of only 28 universities and colleges nationwide exemplifying this 500-year- old Jesuit tradition, SJU offers each of its students an educational experience that will hone their skills, expand their knowledge, grow their faith and strengthen their character.

M. Michelle Rowe, Ph.D.

Dr. Michelle Rowe is Chair of the Health Services department at Saint Joseph's University. Dr. Rowe is a biopsychologist who focuses on how the physiology of the brain affects health and behavior. Over the past 15+ years her research has explored how people cope with significant stress, and more recently, how families and service providers cope with the unique demands of living with, caring for, and/or working with individuals with autism. Her hope, in working in the field of autism, is for those with autism to be integrated as valued and contributing members of society, and for their families to see them reach their full potential. Dr. Rowe received her BS in psychology from Rowan University (summa cum laude), and her Masters and PhD from Temple University. She has been teaching at the college level since 1990 and joined the faculty at Saint Joseph's University in 1993, where she received both teaching and research awards. Dr. Rowe is also a licensed psychologist. In 1997, Dr. Rowe developed the undergraduate major in Interdisciplinary Health Services in the Department of Health Services. She also served as founding Executive Director of the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support and as Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. In 2004, she created the Saint Joseph's University Autism Awareness Day, which occurs annually in April. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in autism spectrum disorders, chronic illness and disabilities, health behavior and research design and statistics. She has authored over 70 peer-reviewed scholarly papers, chapters and presentations. Areas of research include: dental fear and phobia, personality style relating to stress and burnout, college students participating in service-learning or community volunteerism.

Education

BS in Psychology from Glassboro State College Masters
Ph.D. from Temple University

Publications

Publications

Journal of Behavioral Medicine, American Journal of Health Behavior, American Journal of Health Studies, Journal of Dental Hygiene, Journal of Prevention and Intervention in the Community.